Masking device for a nail and method for masking a nail

ABSTRACT

A masking device for masking a portion of a nail includes a shield portion having a first operative surface configured to contact the nail, a distal edge configured to expose a distal tip of the nail, an elongated strap portion formed integrally with the shield portion and projecting in a first direction and a strap receiving portion formed integrally with the shield portion and projecting in a second direction opposite the first direction. A plurality of fastening elements are disposed along a length of the elongated strap portion. The strap receiving portion has an engaging member for releasably engaging a respective fastening element of the plurality of fastening. elements. The shield portion, the elongated strap portion and the strap receiving portion are formed from a single flexible material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a masking device for masking a portion of a nail and a method for masking a portion of a nail. More particularly, the invention relates to a device and method for masking a portion of a nail while exposing a portion of a distal tip of the nail in order to apply a coating to the exposed portion of the distal tip of the nail to provide a french line or french manicure.

2. The Prior Art

It is known in the art of adorning nails to selectively mask a portion of a nail in order to apply an opaque polish (typically white) to an exposed distal tip portion of the nail to provide an arrangement usually known as a french manicure.

Although a number of devices and methods are known for masking or covering a portion of a nail, there are drawbacks associated with existing devices and techniques. Accordingly, a need exists for an inexpensive, flexible masking device for masking a portion of a nail wherein the masking device is simple to manufacture and use. Moreover, a need exists for a nail masking device including an integral flexible strap portion having a plurality of fastening elements along its length such that the masking device is readily adaptable to large and small fingers and/or nails and provides a secure fit for uniform application of a coating to the nail tip. A need further exists for a flexible masking device having two opposing operative surfaces each configured for contacting and masking a nail, such that either side of the device can be placed face down over the nail to be masked, thereby permitting a user to secure the device from either side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A masking device for masking a portion of a nail and a method for masking a portion of a nail are provided.

In one aspect, a masking device for masking a portion of a nail includes a shield portion including a first operative surface configured to contact the nail, a first distal edge configured to expose a distal tip of the nail, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge. An elongated strap portion projects from the first lateral edge in a first direction. The elongated strap portion is formed integrally with the shield portion and includes a plurality of fastening elements disposed along a length of the elongated strap portion. A strap receiving portion projects from the second lateral edge in a second direction opposite the first direction. The strap receiving portion is formed integrally with the shield portion and includes an engaging member for releasably engaging a respective fastening element of the plurality of fastening elements. The shield portion, elongated strap portion and strap receiving portion are formed from a single flexible material.

In a further aspect, the shield portion further includes a second operative surface disposed opposite the first operative surface and configured to contact the nail.

In a further aspect, the shield portion further includes a second proximal edge opposite the first distal edge and configured to expose a distal tip of a nail.

In a further aspect, the first distal edge has a first radius of curvature and the second proximal edge has a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.

In a further aspect, the first distal edge is dimensioned to expose a distal tip of a larger nail and the second proximal edge is dimensioned to expose a distal tip of a smaller nail.

In a further aspect, the plurality of fastening elements include a plurality of slits disposed along the elongated strap portion and the engaging member includes a slit disposed on the strap receiving portion.

In a further aspect, the elongated strap portion includes a serrated edge, the plurality of fastening elements include a plurality of angled teeth and the engaging member includes a slot through the strap receiving portion.

In a further aspect, the single flexible material forming the masking device includes silicone.

In another aspect, a method for masking a portion of a nail includes the steps of providing a masking device formed from a single flexible material and including a shield portion, an elongated strap portion formed integrally with the shield portion and a strap receiving portion formed integrally with the shield portion. The shield portion is selectively positioned on a nail such that a first operative surface of the shield portion contacts a portion of the nail to be masked and a first distal edge of the shield portion exposes a portion of a distal tip of the nail to be coated. The elongated strap portion is looped around a finger associated with the nail and the masking device is secured to the finger by engaging a fastening element of the elongated strap portion with an engaging member of the strap receiving portion.

In a further aspect, the masking device is released from the finger and the shield portion is selectively positioned on a second nail such that a second operative surface of the shield portion disposed opposite the first operative surface contacts a portion of the second nail to be masked and the first distal edge of the shield portion exposes a portion of a distal tip of the second nail to be coated. The elongated strap portion is looped around a second finger associated with the second nail and the masking device is secured to the second finger by engaging a fastening element of the elongated strap portion with an engaging member of the strap receiving portion.

In a further aspect, the masking device is released from the finger and a second proximal edge of the shield portion is selectively positioned over a second nail thereby exposing a portion of a distal tip of the second nail to be coated and covering a portion of the second nail not to be coated. The second proximal edge is disposed opposite the first distal edge and has a second radius of curvature different from a first radius of curvature of the first distal edge. The elongated strap portion is looped around a second finger associated with the second nail and the masking device is secured to the second finger by engaging a fastening element of the elongated strap portion with an engaging member of the strap receiving portion.

In a further aspect, the first distal edge is dimensioned for exposing a distal tip of a larger nail and the second proximal edge is dimensioned for exposing a distal tip of a smaller nail.

In a further aspect, the step of securing the masking device to the finger by engaging a fastening element of the elongated strap portion with an engaging member of the strap receiving portion includes engaging a first slit selected from a plurality of slits disposed along the elongated strap portion with a second slit disposed on the strap receiving portion.

In a further aspect, the step of securing the masking device to the finger by engaging a fastening element of the elongated strap portion with an engaging member of the strap receiving portion includes engaging at least one angled tooth selected from a plurality of angled teeth disposed on at least one serrated edge of the elongated strap portion with a slot through the strap receiving portion.

An advantage of a masking device and/or a method for masking a portion of a nail according to an aspect of the invention is that an inexpensive, flexible device is provided wherein the masking device is simple to manufacture and use. Another advantage of a masking device and/or a method for masking a portion of a nail according to an aspect of the invention is the provision of an integral flexible strap portion having a plurality of fastening elements along its length such that the masking device is readily adjustable to accommodate large and small fingers and/or nails and provides a secure fit for uniform application of a coating to the nail tip.

Another advantage of a masking device and/or a method for masking a portion of a nail according to an aspect of the invention is the provision of a shield portion with first and second edges having different curvatures and/or dimensions so that the device can be manipulated for masking nails of different sizes. A further advantage of a masking device and/or a method for masking a portion of a nail according to an aspect of the invention is the provision of two opposing operative surfaces each configured for contacting and masking a nail, such that either side of the device can be placed face down over the nail to be masked, thereby permitting a user to secure the device from either side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other benefits and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a masking device for masking a portion of a nail according to a first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a masking device for masking a portion of a nail according to a second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 2 rotated by 180 degrees;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows an elevational view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows another perspective view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the masking device depicted in

FIG. 3 with a strap portion engaged in a strap receiving portion;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a lower perspective view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 8 showing a first operative surface arranged to contact a nail;

FIG. 11 shows an upper perspective view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 shows an upper perspective view of the masking device depicted in FIG. 3 with a strap portion engaged in a strap receiving portion and the first operative surface arranged facing upwardly such that a second operative surface is arranged to contact a nail; and

FIG. 15 shows a further perspective view, of the masking device depicted in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a masking device for masking a portion of a nail according to a first aspect of the invention. The nail to be masked may be a fingernail or a toe nail, and is typically a fingernail which is to be provided with an opaque coloring or coating at a desired portion of a distal tip thereof in a technique known a french manicure. The opaque coloring or coating provided at the distal tip of the nail may be known as a french line and may be applied using nail polish, nail art pens or other techniques. The inventive masking device may show particularly good results when used with a nail art pen to apply a french line.

The masking device is used to mask a portion of nail to which the coloring or coating is not to be applied and to selectively expose a distal tip portion of the nail to which the coloring or coating is to be applied. An edge of the masking device may form a straight line or have a curvature which conforms to the shape of the french line to be provided on the nail.

The masking device includes a shield portion 1. The shield portion 1 has a first operative surface 14 configured to contact a nail and mask a portion thereof, as shown for example in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13. First operative surface 14 may comprise a bottom surface or underside of the shield portion 1 when the masking device is in the orientation depicted FIGS. 8-13.

Shield portion 1 further includes a first distal edge 10 configured to expose a distal tip of the nail. First distal edge 10 may have a curved or straight profile depending on the shape of the french line the user wishes to apply. The distal edge serves a guide for providing precise, uniform french lines on the nail. Shield portion 1 further includes a first lateral edge 11 and a second lateral edge 12 opposite the first lateral edge 11.

An elongated strap portion 2 projects from the first lateral edge 11 of the shield portion 1 in a first direction. The elongated strap portion 2 is formed integrally with the shield portion 1. Elongated strap portion 2 may comprise a grooved or slit member having a plurality of fastening elements 21 a, 21 b disposed along its length. Preferably the fastening elements 21 a, 21 b are arranged at uniform spaced apart intervals along the length of strap portion 2. The plurality of fastening elements 21 a, 21 b allow the masking device to be easily adjusted and precisely secured to various sizes of fingers and/or nails.

A strap receiving portion 3 projects from the second lateral edge 12 in a second direction opposite the first. The strap receiving portion 3 is formed integrally with the shield portion 1. Strap receiving portion 3 includes an engaging member 31 a, 31 b which releasably engages a respective fastening element of the plurality of fastening elements.

The shield portion 1, elongated strap portion 2 and strap receiving portion 3 are formed from a single, flexible material. The flexible material may be a silicone material, in particular a soft silicone material. The flexible material making up the masking device allows the device to hug the finger and easily wrap around all size fingers. The use of a flexible material for the masking device can also allow the device to lay flat with a substantially planar profile when not in use (See FIGS. 1-7). This feature is advantageous in reducing manufacturing costs and facilitating packaging and storage of the inventive masking device.

Shield portion 1 may further include a second operative surface 15 configured to contact a nail and mask a portion thereof. The second operative surface 15 is disposed opposite first operative surface 14. For example, first operative surface 14 may comprise a bottom surface or underside of the shield portion 1 when the masking device is in the orientation depicted in FIGS. 8-13 and second operative surface 15 may comprise a top surface or upper side of the shield portion 1 when the masking device is in the orientation depicted in FIGS. 8-13.

As shown, for example in FIGS. 14 and 15, the inventive flexible masking device can be manipulated so that first operative surface 14 is arranged facing upwardly and second operative surface 15 is arranged facing downwardly to contact a nail. This may be accomplished be merely flipping the masking device over on itself. The provisions of two opposing operative surfaces 14, 15 each configured for contacting and masking a nail, such that either side of the device can be placed face down over the nail to be masked allow the masking device to be secured from either side (compare, e.g. FIG. 11 and FIG. 15). This feature results in greater ease of use and convenience. For example, the ability to flip the masking device so that either operative surface 14, 15 contacts the nail such that the strap portion can be secured from either side is particularly advantageous when a user is securing the masking device to her own nail/finger. Moreover, the ability to secure the masking device from either side also facilitates use by both right-handed and left-handed users.

Shield portion 1 may further include a second proximal edge 13 configured to expose a distal tip of a nail. Second proximal edge 13 is disposed opposite first distal edge 10. For example, in a particular orientation first distal edge 10 may be situated at a front of the shield portion 1 and second proximal edge 13 may be situated at a back of the shield portion 1. Second proximal edge 13 may have a curved or straight profile depending on the shape of the french line to be applied.

First distal edge 10 may have a first radius of curvature and second proximal edge 13 may have a second radius of curvature that is different from the radius of curvature of first distal edge. For example, as shown, first distal edge 10 may have a larger radius of curvature than second proximal edge 13. First distal edge 10 may be dimensioned to expose a distal tip of a larger nail, for example a thumb nail, and second proximal edge 13 may be dimensioned to expose a distal tip of a smaller nail, for example a pinky nail or index finger nail. The edge having a larger radius of curvature would typically be used with larger nails and the edge having a smaller radius of curvature would typically be used with smaller nails. A user selects the appropriate edge for the nail to be masked and positions that edge at the distal tip of the nail. The process of selecting the appropriate edge of the shield for masking a particular nail may be facilitated by providing demarcations on the shield. For example, the notation “Larger Nails” may be provided adjacent the first distal edge 10 having a larger radius of curvature and the notation “Smaller Nails” may be provided adjacent the second proximal edge 13 having a smaller radius of curvature. It is also contemplated that one or both of the distal and proximal edges have a straight, angled or irregular configuration.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fastening elements 21 a may include a plurality of slits 210 disposed along the elongated strap portion 2. Slits 210 may extend partially across a width of strap portion 2, for example slits 210 may extend across approximately one half of the width of the strap portion. The material separating adjacent slits 210 may include an angled or beveled portion to facilitate engagement with engaging member 31 a. Engaging member 31 a may include a slit 310 disposed on strap receiving portion 3 and configured to engage one or more of slits 210, thereby releasably securing the masking device to a finger. Slit 310 may extend partially across a width of strap receiving portion 3, for example slit 310 may extend across approximately one half of the width of strap receiving portion 3. In one aspect, fastening slits 210 are disposed on a first side of strap portion 2 and engaging member slit 310 is disposed on a second side of strap receiving portion 3, opposite the first side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of fastening elements 21 b may include a plurality of angled teeth 211 forming a serrated edge 22 on the elongated strap portion 2. The angled teeth 211 and serrated edge 22 formed therefrom may be provided on one or both sides of elongated strap 2. Engaging member 31 b may include a slot 311 disposed on strap receiving portion 3 and configured to engage one or more of angled teeth 211, thereby releasably securing the masking device to a finger. Elongated strap 2 may also include a tapered end to aid in threading the elongated strap 2 through slot 311.

A method for masking a portion of a nail according to an aspect of the invention includes providing a masking device formed from a single flexible material and having a shield portion 1, an elongated strap portion 2 formed integrally with the shield portion 1 and a strap receiving portion 3 formed integrally with the shield portion 1.

A user selectively positions the shield portion 1 on a nail such that a first operative surface 14 of the shield portion contacts a portion of the nail to be masked and a first distal edge 10 of the shield portion 1 exposes a portion of a distal tip of the nail to be coated. By positioning the shield 1 to obtain the desired dimensions of the exposed distal nail tip, the user is able to apply the french line in varied thicknesses including thin french lines or thick french lines.

The elongated strap portion 2 is looped around a finger associated with the nail and the masking device is secured to the finger by engaging a fastening element 21 a, 21 b of the elongated strap portion 2 with an engaging member 31 a, 31 b of the strap receiving portion 3. The masking device may be secured to the finger by engaging a slit 210 selected from a plurality of slits disposed along the elongated strap portion 2 with a second slit 310 disposed on the strap receiving portion 3. In another aspect, the masking device may be secured to the finger by engaging at least one angled tooth 211 selected from a plurality of angled teeth disposed on at least one serrated edge 22 of the elongated strap portion 2 with a slot 311 through the strap receiving portion 3.

Once the user has applied the french line, the masking device can be released by disengaging the fastening element from the engaging member and removed from the finger. The user may then apply a top coat to the nail if desired.

In a further method according to an aspect of the invention, the masking device is released from the finger and the shield portion 1 is selectively positioned on a second nail such that a second operative surface 15 of the shield portion 1 disposed opposite the first operative surface 14 contacts a portion of the second nail to be masked and the first distal edge 10 of the shield portion 1 exposes a portion of a distal tip of the second nail to be coated. The elongated strap portion 2 is looped around a second finger associated with the second nail and the masking device is secured to the second finger by engaging a fastening element 21 a, 21 b of the elongated strap portion 2 with an engaging member 31 a, 31 b of the strap receiving portion 3.

In a further method according to an aspect of the invention, the masking device is released from the finger and a second proximal edge 13 of the shield portion 1 is selectively positioned over a second nail thereby exposing a portion of a distal tip of the second nail to be coated and covering a portion of the second nail not to be coated. The second proximal edge 13 is disposed opposite the first distal edge 10 and has a second radius of curvature different from a first radius of curvature of the first distal edge 10. The elongated strap portion 2 is looped around a second finger associated with the second nail and the masking device is secured to the second finger by engaging a fastening element 21 a, 21 b of the elongated strap portion 2 with an engaging member 31 a, 31 b of the strap receiving portion 3.

The first distal edge 10 may be dimensioned for exposing a distal tip of a larger nail (such as, for example, a thumb nail) and the second proximal edge 13 may be dimensioned for exposing a distal tip of a smaller nail (such as, for example, a pinky nail).

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A masking device for masking a portion of a nail, the masking device comprising: a) a shield portion comprising a first operative surface configured to contact the nail, a first distal edge configured to expose a distal tip of the nail, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge opposite said first lateral edge; b) an elongated strap portion projecting from said first lateral edge in a first direction, said elongated strap portion formed integrally with said shield portion and comprising a plurality of fastening elements disposed along a length of said elongated strap portion; and c) a strap receiving portion projecting from said second lateral edge in a second direction opposite said first direction, said strap receiving portion formed integrally with said shield portion and comprising an engaging member for releasably engaging a respective fastening element of said plurality of fastening elements, wherein said shield portion, said elongated strap portion and said strap receiving portion are formed from a single flexible material.
 2. The masking device according to claim 1, wherein said shield portion further comprises a second operative surface configured to contact a nail, said second operative surface disposed opposite said first operative surface.
 3. The masking device according to claim 1, wherein said shield portion further comprises a second proximal edge configured to expose a distal tip of a nail, said second proximal edge disposed opposite said first distal edge.
 4. The masking device according to claim 3, wherein said first distal edge has a first radius of curvature and said second proximal edge has a second radius of curvature different from said first radius of curvature.
 5. The masking device according to claim 3, wherein said first distal edge is dimensioned to expose a distal tip of a larger nail and said second proximal edge is dimensioned to expose a distal tip of a smaller nail.
 6. The masking device according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of fastening elements comprises a plurality of slits disposed along said elongated strap portion and said engaging member comprises a slit disposed on said strap receiving portion.
 7. The masking device according to claim 1, wherein said elongated strap portion comprises a serrated edge, said plurality of fastening elements comprise a plurality of angled teeth and said engaging member comprises a slot through said strap receiving portion.
 8. The masking device according to claim 1 wherein said single flexible material comprises silicone.
 9. A method for masking a portion of a nail, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a masking device formed from a single flexible material and comprising a shield portion, an elongated strap portion formed integrally with said shield portion and a strap receiving portion formed integrally with said shield portion; b) selectively positioning said shield portion on a nail such that a first operative surface of said shield portion contacts a portion of the nail to be masked and a first distal edge of said shield portion exposes a portion of a distal tip of the nail to be coated; c) looping said elongated strap portion around a finger associated with the nail; and d) securing the masking device to the finger by engaging a fastening element of said elongated strap portion with an engaging member of said strap receiving portion.
 10. The method according to claims 9, further comprising the steps of: a) releasing the masking device from the finger; b) selectively positioning said shield portion on a second nail such that a second operative surface of said shield portion disposed opposite said first operative surface contacts a portion of the second nail to be masked and said first distal edge of said shield portion exposes a portion of a distal tip of the second nail to be coated; c) looping said elongated strap portion around a second finger associated with the second nail; and d) securing the masking device to the second finger by engaging a fastening element of said elongated strap portion with an engaging member of said strap receiving portion.
 11. The method according to claims 9, further comprising the steps of: a) releasing the masking device from the finger; b) selectively positioning a second proximal edge of said shield portion over a second nail thereby exposing a portion of a distal tip of the second nail to be coated and covering a portion of the second nail not to be coated, wherein said second proximal edge is disposed opposite said first distal edge and has a second radius of curvature different from a first radius of curvature of said first distal edge; c) looping said elongated strap portion around a second finger associated with the second nail; and d) securing the masking device to the second finger by engaging a fastening element of said elongated strap portion with an engaging member of said strap receiving portion.
 12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of dimensioning said first distal edge for exposing a distal tip of a larger nail and dimensioning said second proximal edge for exposing a distal tip of a smaller nail.
 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein said step of securing the masking device to the finger by engaging a fastening element of said elongated strap portion with an engaging member of said strap receiving portion comprises engaging a first slit selected from a plurality of slits disposed along said elongated strap portion with a second slit disposed on said strap receiving portion.
 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein said step of securing the masking device to the finger by engaging a fastening element of said elongated strap portion with an engaging member of said strap receiving portion comprises engaging at least one angled tooth selected from a plurality of angled teeth disposed on at least one serrated edge of said elongated strap portion with a slot through said strap receiving portion. 